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Do you need medical insurance to travel to Thailand?

Posted on January 29, 2024March 25, 2024 by Zeke

As of January 29, 2024, You do not need medical travel insurance to travel to Thailand. The mandatory general medical insurance requirement for foreign visitors has been lifted. Previously, a temporary COVID-19 insurance mandate was in place, which is now no longer required.

If there is one thing we learnt from the COVID pandemic is that an outbreak can happen at any time, so, for the latest and most precise information on medical insurance requirements, it’s highly recommended to reach out directly to the Thai embassy or consulate in your area. They are best equipped to address your specific concerns and provide up-to-date guidance tailored to your situation.

Here are a couple of official websites you can bookmark and keep up to date with:

Official Website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand

Under “Royal Thai Embassy→ Select your country to find the nearest embassy/consulate.

Information for US travelers going to Thailand

Information for UK travelers going to Thailand

Royal Thai Embassy, London
UK Government – Foreign travel advice for Thailand: (For UK citizens, includes information on entry requirements)

Information for Australian travelers going to Thailand

Royal Thai Consulate-General, Sydney

General information for tourists going to Thailand

Official Website of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT):

While travel insurance for Thailand isn’t required, consider the peace of mind it offers. Unexpected medical situations, even minor ones, can lead to significant expenses in Thailand, particularly at private hospitals.

See Travel Insurance Plans for Thailand

Maternity Insurance Thailand: Find a Hospital For Your Delivery

Posted on January 17, 2024April 12, 2024 by Zeke

Checklist to consider when buying and planning for maternity insurance in Thailand:

Decide your preference when it comes to choosing the hospital or the doctor.
Private vs Publish Hospital in Thailand
Know your budget
Consider the cost of childbirth packages offered in major hospitals in Thailand:

Hospital	Natural Birth	Inpatient Duration	C-Section	Inpatient Duration
Samitivej Hospital (Platinum)	89,900	3 days	119,000	4 days
Bangkok Christian	58,000	3 days	82,000	4 days
Bangkok Hospital	96,000	2 nights	132,000	3 nights
Bumrungrad	91,000	2 nights	159,000	3 nights
Sikarin	48,000	3 days	65,000	4 days
St. Louis	53,000	3 days	78,000	4 days
Thainakarin	43,000	3 days	60,000	4 days
Ramkhamhaeng	36,000	3 days	48,000	4 days
Kasemrad Bangkae	32,500	3 days	47,500	4 days
Piyavate	49,900	3 days	65,000	4 days

The estimated cost was according to the information provided by the healthcare service provider, but do bear in mind that charges may differ according to your nationality and the package you choose.

Expecting a baby is an exciting time but sometimes can overwhelm you with all the details to plan for. Once the prospect of becoming parents finally sinks in, you and your partner will now need to plan on the labour preparation. Before you start panicking over the momentous experience in your life, take a deep breath and sort your thoughts by researching all the available options. First and foremost you should have maternity insurance plans if you’re considering giving birth in Thailand. Being covered under maternity plan will ensure you get the best care in Thailand for you and your baby. However, you should be aware that many medical insurance plans have a waiting period of 10 months or more – so check that your health insurance solution covers you for the duration of your pregnancy.

Your labour experience should be tailored according to your preferences. Knowing the delivery experience of your dreams, the available options and how childbirth is handled in Thailand can help you decide on a conducive labour plan.

Hospital vs Doctor for Maternity in Thailand

The first question that may come to your mind is probably on whether to choose a doctor or a hospital as the pivotal point of where to based your labour experiences. Having a considerate and understanding doctor will make a huge difference to your labour experience. Cultural differences can cause conflict between doctor and patients. Make sure that you discussed with your doctor on issues such as partners involvement during labour, the use of epidural and other pertaining issues.

Most importantly, make sure that the doctor is board certified, willing to support your preferences, accessible in an emergency situation and affiliated with the hospital you chose as most doctors in Thailand work at several hospitals.

Searching for the right hospitals and doctors at the same time would be the best way to prepare yourself. Depending on your doctor schedule, your chosen obstetrician may not be the one to deliver your baby. On the other hand, services provided by the hospital staff and the comfort of its surroundings can greatly influence your labour process. As much as you prefer to be handled by your obstetrician, you will be tended mostly by the hospital staff. Hence, researching for a hospital that provides a comforting and supportive environment will be a good initiative.

If you are seeking a reputable obstetrician, ask around for recommendations or do your own research. Asking the prospected doctor and hospital on the rate of Caesarean section vs vaginal birth they conducted may also be a good indicator as C-section risk is reported to increase based on the hospital you choose. Having your preferred obstetrician affiliated with a good reputation hospital will be the best option both in term of healthcare provider and facilities.

Private vs Public Hospitals in Thailand

Thailand has a universal healthcare system that provides free health services for native citizens and those who are married to a native citizen in the public hospital. The prenatal visit will be free while the cost of childbirth under universal healthcare could be a third of its actual cost. But, inevitably, public hospital has a longer wait time during check-ups and you won’t be able to choose your doctor. The language barrier and service quality can also be a hindering reason for choosing the public hospital.

Premium clinics that are located at public hospitals can be a good value-for-money alternative. With better service quality from public hospitals, you will pay less than private hospitals services while being attended by doctors who also work at private hospitals. In the premium clinic, you will also be able to choose your doctor and the waiting times are shorter than public hospitals.

Meanwhile, private international hospitals are a more convenient choice in terms of the available labour equipment, waiting hours and comfort room. But if you chose to deliver your baby at a private hospital, ask them what the package includes, and the expected side services and total costs. It is very common for new parents to be charged with a bill triple from the package cost as hospitals sometimes add on services and costs without your consent. Ask the hospital staff to get your approval before doing anything that is not included in your package and make sure that you actually received the services they charge you for. This will give you peace of mine to enjoy time with your newborn baby.

You also have the right to decline to buy medication from the private hospital as it may be overcharged. Instead, ask for the list of medications you need and buy them at the pharmacy. Public and premium clinics don’t usually mark up the cost of medication although it’s best to check.

Another thing to consider is your birth plan. Does the hospital you’re looking at support what you want in childbirth? Do they have special rooms for natural birth options, including water birth? Are there lactation specialists at the hospitals to help you with breastfeeding after your delivery.

Know your Budget for your Maternity Insurance Plan

Besides the hospital environment and doctors expertise, your own budget in relation to the cost of childbirth in Thailand will also play an important role in your choices. Most hospitals offer childbirth packages for one flat rate that covers all normal delivery costs and services. But any complications that arise before, during, or after delivery, will come with an added cost. Without maternity health insurance, you need to calculate the cost that will be spent on ultrasounds, routine check-ups, important fetal tests and labour procedure itself. Not to mention that non-medical expenditure during pregnancy such as new clothes and foods will also cost you in the process.

If you are covered by insurance, check on what is included in the insurance package. The insurance company itself may also have a list of hospitals that they collaborated with. You should also ask your insurance company on reimbursement method in case you have to pay out of pocket first.

Keep in mind that most insurance coverage is provided for maternity cost only if it is taken at least 10 months before the delivery. But even if you’re already pregnant, getting health insurance will still benefit you for other general health problems aside from your maternity cost.

If you are trying to conceive, compare the available health insurance plans with maternity package cost to prepare yourself.

Maternity Insurance in Thailand

Want to learn more? Contact LUMA today to hear about our health insurance plans for parents-to-be as well as comprehensive health insurance plans for all the family.

See Maternity Insurance Plans

When To Get a Second Medical Opinion?

Posted on January 3, 2024April 12, 2024 by LUMA

You should seek a second medical opinion when the:

Diagnosis is ambiguous
Seriousness of condition
You’re recommended a controversial treatment
Current treatment is ineffective
You lack confidence in your doctor

For example: You just left the hospital. What you thought was a sprained ankle turns out to be a tear of your Achilles tendon. Your doctors say you will be on crutches for the next 12 weeks. Something in your gut tells you the diagnosis may not be correct. You want to consult another doctor. This situation would be valid to seek a second medical opinion.

What is a second medical opinion?

Simply put, a second medical opinion is when you consult two doctors over one specific illness or set of symptoms. However, second medical opinions are generally sought in two different ways. The first of the two scenarios may be a bit surprising.

If your general doctor refers you to a specialist, then you are in fact seeking a second medical opinion from that specialist. For example, say you have an ear infection and your general doctor can treat the surface symptoms, but can’t determine the underlying cause. He may refer you to an Otolaryngologist. While most people don’t think of this as a second medical opinion, it qualifies as one because you’re consulting two doctors for one set of symptoms.

The second scenario where people seek two medical opinions is when a patient questions their current doctor’s diagnosis. In this instance, the patient decides to take measures into their own hands and sees another doctor (without a referral) for a second opinion.

When to seek a second medical opinion?

1. When the diagnosis is ambiguous

If you’ve undergone a half dozen tests with no definitive results, a new doctor may be able to offer a fresh perspective and insights. If you’re fortunate, that new doctor may have even successfully cured the same illness in another patient, or seen your injury before. Does this mean you should always seek a second medical opinion when a diagnosis is uncertain? Not exactly. This is where the next determining factor comes in.

2. The seriousness of your condition

This is perhaps the single biggest reason to seek a second medical opinion. If you’re diagnosed with a serious condition, we highly recommend consulting another doctor. However, what qualifies as serious? Diseases such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, or celiac disease are serious enough to warrant a second opinion. Also, if your doctor recommends surgery, it’s worth consulting with another medical professional.

3. When you’re recommended a controversial treatment

A serious diagnosis is not the only time “seriousness” should be considered when deciding to seek a second medical opinion. If your doctor recommends a controversial or risky treatment, such as an experimental therapy or medication that could cause unwanted side effects, it’s also worth consulting another medical professional.

4. Your current treatment is ineffective

Have you been seeing an allergist for years and noticed little improvement? Has six months of treatment for chronic headaches failed to cure your migraines? In situations where you don’t see improvements to your health over an extended period, it may be a sign to consider seeing a specialist, or getting an outside opinion from another doctor. They may be able to provide alternative, more effective treatment.

5. When you lack confidence in your doctor

It’s easy to forget that doctors are normal people like you and me. Just like normal people, sometimes a doctor does a poor job or isn’t experienced in curing your ailment. Other times their diagnosis may contradict information you’ve heard elsewhere.

When you recognize any of the above signs, we recommend seriously considering a second medical opinion. But this still leaves one looming problem…how do you go about getting one? And what if your primary doctor finds out? Will it damage your relationship?

LUMA offers comprehensive health insurance solutions that can offer advice on getting a second medical opinion. If you need to find out more about health insurance, check out our health insurance in Thailand.

See Health Insurance Plans with Second Medical Opinions